What causes filamentary keratitis?

Filamentary keratitis is caused by corneal injury. Damage to the corneal epithelium triggers excessive proliferation of surrounding epithelial cells, resulting in filament-like elevations on the corneal surface. This condition may cause ocular hyperemia (redness), eye pain, and a foreign-body sensation. During treatment, topical anesthetic drops—such as oxybuprocaine eye drops—may be instilled into the eye, followed by gentle removal of the filaments using a cotton-tipped applicator. Medication use should always be guided by a physician.